President Obama presented his final Presidential Medals of Freedom today. In case you didn’t know, that’s the nation’s highest civilian award, and recipients get it for their “especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States.”

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor–it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better,” Obama said in a statement. “From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”

For the record, a bunch of the recipients are Democratic donors who’ve slobbered over Obama in the past. So basically, he’s awarding his fans.

Recipients this year included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Robert Redford, Diana Ross and Bruce Springsteen.

I’m sorry, but I don’t see why people like Bruce Springsteen deserve an award. Oh yeah. The way he canceled his concert in North Carolina to protest the bathroom law– so courageous. So praiseworthy. So admirable.